SHESHEGWANING—The Sheshegwaning First Nation is accepting of all people; and the community came together in grand fashion July 15 and throughout the week to celebrate everyone’s uniqueness.
“We wanted to represent here, that people can be whoever they are, that this is a safe community, that Sheshegwaning is a safe place and accepting of everyone, including 2SLGBTQIA people,” said Emily Savage, one of the organizers of the community’s second annual PRIDE week.
Community elder Joseph Laford told The Expositor: “as part of our tradition, First Nations people accept all people. We follow the seven grandfather teachings to accept all people and provide a safe community for everyone.”
“This is our second annual PRIDE week celebrations,” said Ms. Savage, who explained that events held during the week help teach community youth that they can be whoever they are and are accepted and welcome in the community.
Events held during the week included a Why Pride information luncheon, a 2-spirit champions event, paint night, Pride game night, and a parade on Saturday (with about 15 floats participating), along with face painting for children, and bouncy castles and a dunk tank, water guns, balloons and foam party, a barbecue lunch and a family dance Saturday evening. A paint night was held Sunday evening.
Mnaamodzawin Health Services had a booth set up beside the community centre on Saturday.
